God Bless Indio. Indio, California to be exact; the dry, desolate patch of Southern California desert that has hosted the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 11 times. The festival has risen to prominence in the recent surge of music fests, holding its own with the likes of Lollapalooza, Bonaroo and South by Southwest. Its artist selection is of an intriguing variety, boasting surprise headliners from rap, hip-hop, rock and electronic music; allowing buyers of the three-day camping tickets to enjoy a weekend of artists that could satisfy one-year’s worth of concerts.

Headliners of the past four years have summed up the festivals growing historical value as possibly one of the greatest musical gathering of all times. Paul McCartney, M.I.A., Prince, Muse, Depeche Mode, Tool, Coldplay, Tiesto, Rage Against The Machine, Roger Waters, The Cure, The Gorrillaz and Jay-Z have all graced the stages of the hell pot that is the Empire Polo Fields. If you have a ticket to see a Beatle, a cartoon, the artist formally known as whatever and one hell of a rapper all in one weekend, you are a lucky son of a gun.

The approaching 2011 festival is five months away. The line-ups haven’t even been announced, yet a rumor has sprung up that shook up the anticipation for a few days. It was reported by Hit’s Daily Double rumor mills that the Rolling Stones accepted $5 million to headline one of the 2011 shows. Imagine that, the seemingly ageless blokes from England who have rocked the world for four steady decades would come down to dispense some U.K. invasion during a dark April night. The idea to have the Stones play seems perfect, the band that was missing from the ones mentioned earlier. How could Goldenvoice have not thought about it earlier? As memorable as having Jagger, Richards, Woods and Watts play, it of course was shot down days later by the band’s publicist. Regardless, it got me thinking: who would I like to see headline Coachella? Here are some ideas:

Daft Punk: The elusive French electronic duo is getting ready to release the highly anticipated soundtrack to the upcoming remake of Tron. What better way for the team, who never seem to release a bad record, to capitalize on the soundtrack by playing a set?

Bruce Springsteen: The man who makes rock for the working man could say a lot by working the crowd in Indio. His Darkness on the Edge of Town re-release has gotten rave reviews and for the Boss to command the stage with (fingers crossed) the E Street Band would kill.

The Smashing Pumpkins: I know that the Pumpkins are James Iha-less, D’arcy-less and Jimmy Chamberlin-less, but Corgan always puts on a show with whoever he’s with. As he prepares to start a string of festivals starting with KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas, why not stop off in Indio along the way?

Foo Fighters: As reported a week before by yours truly, the Fighters and Butch Vig are working on a new, loud, heavy album. Last year, Grohl played at the festival as drummer for his super group Them Crooked Vultures, now it’s time to step out as front man and promote his album with the high-adrenaline he is known to bleed on stage.

Kanye West: This is almost a no brainer. West is three steps away from being the best in the game. He is boasting another five star album in My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and with frequent collaborator Jay-Z performing last year it’s about time for West to do his thing.

Public Enemy: Flavor Flav’s reality show antics have cooled down and Chuck D’s mind is as fresh as ever. Groups from both rock and rap have cited the group as an influence and not only would their visit be a privilege to the crowd but also to the other performers.

Arcade Fire: These guys don’t qualify as indie rock anymore because they are too big, but way back when, they did open up at Coachella a couple of times. Now they reign supreme, led by husband and wife team of Regine Chassagne and Win Butler, and it’s their turn to take a night slot.

Goldenvoice has successfully booked talented artists for their three day bonanzas. They range from the very historic and influential to the new and exciting. You now know who I think (hope) will headline, who do you think will play??

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